Senior Back End Data Engineer (Rust)

Senior Backend & Data Engineer (Rust/Python)Remote (US) or NYC$175k to $220k (NYC) / $157.5k to $198k (remote) + a generous options package. Petabytes of data. An in-house vector database holding billions of vectors. A bunch of distributed databases that all need to stay fast, cheap and up. That's the job. This role is on the data platform team at a public safety tech company. They're not building a database product. They need someone who'll keep the data layer fit for what the business actually needs. Their own description is "glorified plumbers", and they mean it as a compliment.

Without you the whole system fails.

What you'd be doing

Running and tuning the in-house vector DB plus the rest of the deployed databasesIngestion, indexing and object storage access patterns, every dayFinding bottlenecks in Python services and pipelines, then fixing them with better architecture in Rust or a Rust extension where it countsMoving TBs of hot data between storage backends for migrations and analysisKeeping cross-AZ costs in check before they turn into a finance problem
What they're after:
4+ years in backend, data or platform engineeringReal depth in the Python data ecosystemHands-on time with high-performance distributed databases, and a feel for the access patterns that make or break themMessage queues and the usual data formats (Arrow, Parquet, Protobuf and friends)An ops-minded, product-minded way of working.

You care how it runs in prod more than how clever it looks in review.

On Rust: you don't need to be an expert. You do need to want to get good at it. If you're a strong data platform engineer with a bit of Rust, they want to hear from you.
Probably not for you if you want to spend your days on formal verification or writing nothing but Rust. There's a sister role for that one. Ask me.
Bonus points for vector indexes (Faiss, HNSW, Qdrant), Python extensions in Rust or C++, and a GitHub that shows you like to tinker.
Process is super simple: an intro call with the hiring lead, then a one-hour session where you present the work you're proudest of. After that, a three-hour on-site covering backend, system design and behavioural, plus a chat with the CEO.

Package: Up to $225k base dependent on location, plus generous options vesting over four years. Medical, dental, vision, 401(k) match, unlimited PTO, and team meetups twice a year.
Sound like you? DM me or apply.